A New Test to Predict the Outcome in Canine Trauma

Canine

We need better markers of prognosis in dogs with trauma. A potential new marker is measurement of free DNA in blood. Studies in people have shown that free DNA is increased in the blood of patients admitted with trauma and higher blood free DNA concentrations are associated with a higher risk of death in affected people. Recently, Dr. Goggs and colleagues have found that free DNA concentrations are increased in the blood of dogs with trauma.

The goals of this study are twofold: 1) To test if measurement of free DNA is a useful prognostic marker in dogs with trauma. 2) To test if we can measure this free DNA accurately using a bedside (point-of-care) test.

ELIGIBILITY: Any dog admitted to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals with a moderate to severe trauma (defined as an Animal Trauma Triage score of at least 3.)

COMPENSATION: The study will pay for a complete blood count and biochemistry blood test, worth over $100. Other tests or procedures required as part of patient care will still be the responsibility of the owner.